I will tell Xiao Yu that her beautiful language is her most intimate direct relationship with her heritage. I want her to know that I don't expect her to convert to English or being American. We are all integrating into her culture. We are very active with the Spokane Chinese Association, and while Spokane is certainly not a hub for Chinese people, I seem to find a Chinese person or two at most places where we go. Recent visits to Costco and Wal*Mart each found Chinese speaking shoppers (or employees) who could translate for me upon request. Walt, Sarah and Zoey are learning her language and that process had begun before she got here. I will try to keep CHINESE food available to her at all times in the refrigerator, until I can see that she has moved into a comfort zone where food is concerned. The Chinese Language School teacher is also going to teach us some basic skills in Chinese cooking and then anyone can make dinner, including the three older girls. We attend the Spokane Chinese Associations functions, and we've become regular members. We get all their regular newsletter postings via email, which demonstrates how accepting they are of our family as group members. There is nothing about Xiao Yu's culture, which is become a part of her, that I want to see fade away; rather, we will try to embrace the culture/language more into our lives. Fortunately, Walt and the girls are motivated to do so. Sarah is proud to be learning Chinese. Walt knows it is really tough to learn, but he is always putting in the effort. They are in their second semester of study. The Chinese Language School principal was very disappointed that Xiao Yu did not opt to come to class last week. She insists Xiao Yu attend this Saturday. They will talk with her, and determine how to integrate her into the school. There is an advanced class, and Xiao Yu's language skills are clearly advanced! Like we continue to study English in our educational system, I want Xiao Yu to have the opportunity to continue to master her lanuage.
About her name. We call her Xiao Yu. She learned in CHINA that Xiao Yu means Jade. She is enrolled in school as Jade XiaoYu Bowden. She seems to "go with the flow" - and I expect she accepts the American people calling her Jade, in a "when in Rome, do as the Romans do" - kind-of thing. At home no one uses Jade, but that may change (or may not).
Paula Bowes mother to: Xiao Yu 13, Sarah 11, Zoey 10, Eric 5, Jill 4 and Beth Anne 2
ShaoWu SWI - Fujian Province, PRC
LOI 12/17/03, PA 2/9/04, LID 6/29/04, TA 9-20-04, Adopted: 10-10-04 Agency: Adoption Advocates Int'l
--- You are currently subscribed to may99 as: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To unsubscribe send a blank email to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
